Panda Mart Expands in Australia with New Store in Brisbane
Discount megastore Panda Mart has confirmed it will open its third Australian store in Brisbane. Known for offering a wide range of discounted products, the retailer has gained significant attention since entering the Australian market last year. However, this expansion comes amid ongoing controversy.
Panda Mart recently announced on social media that it will open its next store in Rocklea. The retailer, which sells tens of thousands of discounted items, already operates warehouses in Melbourne’s Cranbourne and Preston. This new location is expected to further expand its presence in the country.
A spokesperson for Panda Mart previously stated that the company aims to provide something “fresh and distinctive” in the retail space. It competes against discount stores like The Reject Shop, soon to be owned by Dollarama, as well as established retailers such as Kmart, Target, and Big W.
“Our focus is on variety, affordability, and uniqueness — bringing in products that are carefully curated and often not found in mainstream outlets,” the spokesperson said. “Our stores are designed to be more than just a place to shop; they’re a space for exploration and discovery. Customers often tell us they enjoy the sense of surprise when they find items that are both practical and inspiring for their homes.”
While no details have been shared about the opening date, Panda Mart is currently hiring full-time and part-time staff in Brisbane, including floor staff, cashiers, and warehouse workers.
Public Warning Over Product Safety
Last month, Consumer Affairs Victoria issued a public warning about dangerous items being sold at Panda Mart’s Cranbourne and Preston stores. Inspectors have seized over 1,000 products for sale at both stores, which are owned by different companies, due to non-compliance with mandatory information and safety standards. This included flammable candle holders that are banned in Australia.
It came after Consumer Affairs obtained court orders in December requiring the two stores to close for three days. In January, Panda Mart Cranbourne was charged with 147 criminal offences following the previous seizure of products. Additionally, the store is facing 130 charges over allegedly unsafe lamps and other electrical products, according to scrutiny from Energy Safe Victoria.
Consumer Affairs Victoria director Nicole Rich emphasized that retailers are responsible for the items on their shelves under Australian Consumer Law. “It is extremely concerning to find new products flouting product safety laws on the shelves of Panda Mart, so soon after our previous action to shut down the stores to remove dangerous goods from sale to the public,” she said. “We’ve issued this urgent warning to urge any customers who have bought these products to stop using them and store them securely out of reach of children.”
After its temporary closures in December, Panda Mart reopened with a “20 per cent storewide discount to thank customers.” The company also assured its customers that safety remains its highest priority and that it will continue to cooperate fully with Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Shoppers React to the News
Despite the controversy surrounding Panda Mart, many shoppers welcomed the news of the new store opening in Queensland. One user wrote on social media, “I can’t wait.” Another added, “Open one in Adelaide.” A third person shared, “Took my parents here on the weekend (originally from Tasmania). Tassie people would honestly love it.”
Panda Mart has drawn huge crowds to its store openings in Cranbourne and Preston, with police even called in to control a crowd of around 1,000 people on the opening weekend of its Cranbourne store. Each store sells approximately 35,000 products, with many believed to be sourced from China’s wholesale markets.
